Over 5,000 students from six colleges of University of Rwanda were handed their degree certificates and transcripts immediately after graduating. Previously, a former student had to wait for some time after graduating to get their certificate. The delays were previously caused by students who pay for all the necessary requirements at the last minute and others who fail to complete their payments. At the 8th graduation ceremony, graced by Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, that took place at Nyagatare stadium in Eastern province on Friday, UR officials said that the new move will enable new graduates to easily tap into the labour market. Among the graduates include Olivier Hirwa who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architectural design, told The New Times that it would be tiresome to travel back to their respective colleges for degrees saying that walking away with their respective certificates is a great opportunity as they join the labour market. “I am having my degree with me today, the same day I graduate. I am now able to apply for jobs if I wish to, which wasn’t the case for previous grandaunts,” he said. Another grandaunt, Theodete Uwantege, said she is happy going back with her certificate and transcripts the same day she graduated. “I have friends who missed out on employment opportunities because they did not have their academic papers,” she said. During the graduation ceremony, Prime Minister Ngirente said that issuing of certificates and transcripts is a good opportunity to celebrate the achievements made by the UR toward improving the quality of education. “As figures indicate that over 100 students from 21 countries graduated today. The skills and knowledge you acquired are important for the societies you will be living in, put them to good use,” he said. He added that “you must uphold integrity and other ethical values.” Among the 5,702 graduates, 25 of them were awarded PhD, 628 were awarded with Master’s Degree, and four Post Graduate Diploma, while 4, 717 walked home with Bachelor’s degree while 96 and 1,980 were awarded advanced Diplomas and diplomas respectively.
